By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 19th August 2007
Skysports.com understands that Afonso Alves is being lined up for a move to Middlesbrough to replace Yakubu Aiyegbeni.
We have also learnt that Everton have opened talks with Boro - but as yet no terms have been agreed - as Boro are looking to recoup £12million for the Nigerian.
It is believed Everton have offered £10million with an option of another £1million, but as yet Boro are not willing to accept, although it is thought a deal could be reached.
Whilst talks continue over Yakubu - Boro are pushing ahead with an interest in Alves.
The Brazilian striker has emerged as one of the most highly-rated forwards in Europe, having found some real form with Heerenveen, bagging 34 goals in 31 games.
Leading Turkish and German clubs have shown an interest, but Boro are now looking favourites.
It is understood that Yakubu is hopeful of sealing his move to Goodison Park as soon as possible and there is confidence on Merseyside that he will be paraded as their new record signing next week.

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| Time | Fixture |
|---|---|
| Saturday 15th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Aston Villa vs Wigan |
| 15:00 | Blackburn vs Man City |
| 15:00 | Bolton vs Sunderland |
| 15:00 | Chelsea vs Hull |
| 15:00 | Everton vs Arsenal |
| 15:00 | Man Utd vs Birmingham |
| 15:00 | Portsmouth vs Fulham |
| 15:00 | Stoke vs Burnley |
| 15:00 | Tottenham vs Liverpool |
| 15:00 | Wolverhampton vs West Ham |
| Tuesday 18th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Birmingham vs Portsmouth |
| 19:45 | Burnley vs Man Utd |
| 19:45 | Fulham vs Blackburn |
| 19:45 | Hull vs Tottenham |
| 19:45 | Sunderland vs Chelsea |
| 19:45 | Wigan vs Wolverhampton |
| Wednesday 19th August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 19:45 | Liverpool vs Stoke |
| Saturday 22nd August | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| 15:00 | Arsenal vs Portsmouth |
| 15:00 | Birmingham vs Stoke |
| 15:00 | Burnley vs Everton |
| Time | Result |
|---|---|
| Sunday 24th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Aston Villa 1 - 0 Newcastle | |
| Blackburn 0 - 0 West Brom | |
| Hull 0 - 1 Man Utd | |
| Man City 1 - 0 Bolton | |
| Sunderland 2 - 3 Chelsea | |
| Fulham 0 - 2 Everton | |
| Arsenal 4 - 1 Stoke | |
| West Ham 2 - 1 Middlesbrough | |
| Wigan 1 - 0 Portsmouth | |
| Liverpool 3 - 1 Tottenham | |
| Monday 18th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Portsmouth 3 - 1 Sunderland | |
| Sunday 17th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Chelsea 2 - 0 Blackburn | |
| West Brom 0 - 2 Liverpool | |
| Saturday 16th May | |
| Barclays Premier League | |
| Newcastle 0 - 1 Fulham | |
| Bolton 1 - 1 Hull | |
| Stoke 2 - 0 Wigan | |
| Middlesbrough 1 - 1 Aston Villa | |
| Tottenham 2 - 1 Man City | |
| Everton 3 - 1 West Ham | |
| Man Utd 0 - 0 Arsenal | |
Skysports.com takes a look at striker Michael Owen's career to date following his Man United switch.
Skysports.com assesses Michael Owen's possible free transfer to Manchester United.
Southampton's Lee Molyneux has been invited to NAC Breda for a trial period with the Eredivisie club.
Edgar Barreto looks set to sign for Sampdoria although he insisted he will keep his options open.
Louis van Gaal wants an end to the Franck Ribery transfer saga as he fears it could disrupt his squad.
Alleged Portsmouth target Fernando Belluschi is said to have held talks with Porto this weekend.
Liverpool duo Jay Spearing and Stephen Darby have agreed new deals, skysports.com understands.